Buffered lubricant for conveyor system

ABSTRACT

A method of lubricating a moving surface is herein described wherein the lubricant composition contains a fatty acid, a neutralization agent, a pH buffer, and a carrier. Also described are compositions in both concentrate and dilute form. The compositions may also comprise additional functional ingredients.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention pertains to food additive lubricant compositions,and more particularly, to a food additive lubricant composition thatincludes a fatty acid, a neutralization agent, a pH buffer and acarrier. The invention also pertains to a food additive lubricantcomposition suitable for use on a moving surface. The invention alsopertains to a method of lubricating.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In many industries, including, for example, the food and beverageprocessing industry, containers and other articles are transported fromone location to another location by conveyors such as belt conveyors. Inmany such conveyor systems, a lubricating composition may be used on theconveyor. One of the reasons that a lubricating composition may be usedis to facilitate movement and reduce the damage to the containersresulting from mechanical impact between the containers and the rubbingaction among the containers and between the containers and the belt. Forexample, occasionally in such systems, the containers are stopped on theconveyor due to a back up on the conveyor. While the containers arestopped, the belt is often still moved continuously. To facilitate thesmooth transportation of the containers, a lubricating composition canbe applied onto the surface of the conveyor belt and/or the containers.

[0003] There can be numerous challenges in providing a lubricantcomposition for use on conveyors. One example of a potential challengedeals with the desire for a lubricant with decreased pH sensitivity.Fatty acid based lubricants typically display decreased lubricity at lowpH. This phenomenon is especially a problem in the beverage processingindustry. For example, many beverages, including colas, lemonades andiced teas, have a low pH as a result of being acidic. Those commercialbeverages having a pH slightly above 3 include Coca-Cola®, Pepsi Cola®,Orange Slice®, Mountain Dew®, Sprite®, and Mellow Yellow®. Some are evenmore acidic with a pH below 3 such as Minute Maid Lemonade®, Minute MaidOrange Soda®, Fruit Work Pink Lemonade® and Brisk Lemon Iced Tea®. Whenacidic beverages are moved along a conveyor, they can spill and comeinto contact with the lubricant on the conveyor and lower the pH of thelubricant. This decrease in pH may decrease the lubricity of thelubricant. Thus it is desirable that a lubricant have decreased pHsensitivity especially in the presence of acidic beverages.

[0004] Additionally, there is a desire for conveyor lubricants in thefood and beverage industry to be composed of food additives. Manycompositions that come into contact with food or beverages are requiredto be composed entirely of food additives. It is desirable that conveyorlubricants that can potentially come into contact with food andbeverages for human consumption be composed of food additives.

[0005] There is an ongoing need to provide food additive lubricantcompositions and methods for lubricating conveyor systems which havedecreased pH sensitivity, especially in the acidic region.

SUMMARY

[0006] The invention pertains to food additive lubricant compositions,and more particularly, to a food additive lubricant composition thatincludes a fatty acid, a neutralization agent, a pH buffer and acarrier. The invention also pertains to a food additive lubricantcomposition suitable for use on a moving surface. Finally, the inventionpertains to a method of lubricating.

[0007] These and other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill inthe art and others in view of the following detailed description. Itshould be understood, however, that this summary, and the detaileddescription illustrate only some examples, and are not intended to belimiting to the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Definitions

[0009] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall beapplied, unless a different definition is given in the claims orelsewhere in this specification.

[0010] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term“about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generallyrefers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would considerequivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function orresult). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers thatare rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0011] Weight percent, percent by weight, % by weight, wt %, and thelike are synonyms that refer to the concentration of a substance as theweight of that substance divided by the weight of the composition andmultiplied by 100.

[0012] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes allnumbers subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2,2.75, 3, 3.80, 4 and 5).

[0013] As used in this specification and the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontent clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to acomposition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or morecompounds. As used in this specification and the appended claims, theterm “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unlessthe content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] The term “alkyl” refers to a straight or branched chainmonovalent hydrocarbon radical having a specified number or carbonatoms. Alkyl groups may be unsubstituted or substituted withsubstituents that do not interfere with the specified function of thecomposition and may be substituted once or twice with the same ordifferent group. Substituents may include alkoxy, hydroxy, mercapto,amino, alkyl substituted amino, nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, carbonyloxy,cyano, methylsulfonylamino, or halo, for example. Examples of “alkyl”include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,n-butyl, s-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, n-hexyl, 3-methylpentyl, and thelike.

[0015] The term “alkenyl” or “alkenylene” refers to a straight orbranched chain divalent hydrocarbon radical having a specified number ofcarbon atoms and one or more carbon-carbon double bonds. Alkenylenegroups may be unsubstituted or substituted with substituents that do notinterfere with the specified function of the composition and may besubstituted once or twice with the same or different group. Substituentsmay include alkoxy, hydroxyl, mercapto, amino, alkyl substituted amino,nitro, carboxy, carbonyl, carbonyloxy, cyano, methylsulfonylamino, orhalo, for example. Examples of “alkenyl” or “alkenylene” include, butare not limited to, ethene-1,2-diyl, propene-1,3-diyl, and the like.

[0016] Compositions

[0017] As discussed above, the invention generally relates to alubricant composition, and a method of lubricating a moving surfaceusing such a lubricant. The lubricant comprises a fatty acid, aneutralization agent, a pH buffer and a carrier. The lubricant can be aconcentrate that can be used alone, or can be mixed with additionalcarrier, such as water, to form a dilute lubricant mixture. In addition,the composition can optionally include additional active or functionalingredients or components that enhance the effectiveness of thecomposition as a lubricant, or enhance or provide other functionalaspects to the composition.

[0018] Decreasing the pH of a fatty acid based lubricant results indecreased lubricity on the moving surface. The main ingredient providinglubricity for a metal surface is the carboxylate ions dissociated fromthe fatty acid. In a basic environment, there are more carboxylate ionspresent in the dilute lubricant solution whereas in the acidic regionwhen beverage spillage may be mixed with the lubricant, carboxylateions, will decrease in a logrithmic scale with lower pH. It has beendiscovered that including a pH buffer decreases the lubricant'ssensitivity to decreases in pH. As such, formulations can be producedthat include fatty acids that maintain lubricity under low pHconditions. This provides for a conveyor lubricant that may be effectiveas a lubricant in low pH conditions.

[0019] The composition as a concentrate can either be a liquid or asolid depending on the choice and concentrations of raw materials.Although lubricants can be manufactured and sold in dilute form, theyare often sold as concentrates because of the ease of handling andshipping cost. A lubricant concentrate may be substantially solid,having less than 1 wt-% of a carrier fluid for carrying the variousingredients of the lubricant.

[0020] The lubricant concentrate may be diluted with additional carrierin a concentrate/carrier ratio of 1:50 to 1:1000 before using. Inanother aspect, a method of lubricating a continuously-moving conveyorsystem for transporting a container may be practiced by applying dilutedaqueous lubricating composition to the surface of the plastic conveyor.This application may be by means of spraying, immersing, brushing andthe like. The dilution may be done either batchwise by adding water intoa container with a suitable amount of the concentrate or continuouslyonline. Online dilution may be done by the regulated injection of astream of concentrate into a stream of water at a steady rate. Theinjection of the concentrate can be achieved by a pump, for example, ametering pump, although other injection means are possible. Water ofvarying quality, for example, tap water, soft water, and deionized watermay be used. The water may also be heated.

[0021] The compositions may be applied in relatively low amounts, and donot require dilution with significant amounts of a carrier. In thiscase, the composition provides a thin, substantially non-drippinglubricating film. In contrast to dilute compositions, such compositionscan provide drier lubrication of the conveyors, and/or containers, acleaner and drier conveyor line and working area, and reducedlubrication usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup, and disposalproblems.

[0022] It may be desirable to provide one or more of the variouscomponents of the composition in separate containers until it is desiredto make the final composition. For example, the neutralizationcomponent, the fatty acid component, the carrier component, and the pHbuffer component can be provided in separate containers until it isdesired to make the composition. By maintaining such components inseparate containers until it is desired to combine them to make thelubricant composition containing both, the components are potentiallyavailable for use in other systems. The mixing of the components can bemade in concentrates or mixed after dilution. The mixing of the dilutioncan be made at the point of application or at the mechanical systembefore transporting the product to the intended use sites.

[0023] The lubricant composition, either concentrated or diluted, and ina solid, paste or liquid form can be applied to a conveyor systemsurface that comes into contact with containers, the container surfacethat needs lubricity, or both. Any suitable method of applying thelubricant to the conveyor surface and/or the container surface can beused. Some examples of application methods include spraying, wiping,rolling, brushing, atomizing, dipping, and the like, or a combination ofany of these. The lubricant composition can be applied to the surface bycontinuous, intermittent, or one time application. In some situations,only portions of the conveyor that contact the containers need to betreated. Likewise, in some situations, only portions of the containerthat contact the conveyor or other containers need to be treated. Thelubricant can be formulated as a permanent composition that remains onthe container or conveyor throughout its useful life, or can be asemi-permanent, or temporary composition.

[0024] The surface of the conveyor that supports the containers can bemade of a wide variety of materials, for example, fabric, metal,plastic, elastomer, composites, or combinations or mixtures of thesematerials. Any type of conveyor system used in the container field canbe treated according to some examples of the invention. Some examples ofconveyors, containers, methods of application, and the like aredisclosed in International Patent Application publication number WO01/12759, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

[0025] The lubricant composition can also be formulated to includeadditional desirable characteristics. For example, it may be desirableto provide a lubricating composition that has biodegradability andnontoxicity. The public is increasingly aware of the ecological problemscaused by the release of man-made chemicals in the environment. Morestringent governmental regulations are being implemented to respond tothis public concern. Therefore, the lubricating composition woulddesirably contain chemicals that are more biodegradable and less toxicthan conventional chemicals used in lubricant concentrates. It may alsobe desirable that the lubricating composition be compatible with inks ordyes that are used on the surface of the containers. For example, it maybe desirable that the lubricant composition be compatible with inks usedfor date code on some containers, and does not remove such ink from thecontainers. Finally, in yet another embodiment, the lubricatingcomposition would desirably contain only chemicals that are consideredfood additives. For example, in the food and beverage industry it may bedesirable to use lubricants with ingredients that are suitable for humanconsumption.

[0026] Fatty Acid

[0027] The term “fatty acid” includes any of a group of carboxylic acidsthat can be derived from or contained in an animal or vegetable fat oroil. Fatty acids are composed of a long chain of alkyl groups andcharacterized by a terminal carboxyl group. The alkyl groups can belinear or branched. The fatty acid can be saturated or unsaturated. Thechain of alkyl groups contain from 4 to 24 carbon atoms, 6 to 24 carbonatoms, or 12 to 18 carbon atoms. The lubricant composition can includecombinations or mixtures of different fatty acids. One particular fattyacid that may be suitable is oleic acid, but as set forth above, a broadvariety of other fatty acids or combinations or mixtures thereof arecontemplated for use.

[0028] The fatty acid component can comprise up to 99 wt.-% of the finallubricant composition. For example, the concentrate lubricantcomposition can comprise, in the range of 0.5-99 wt.-% fatty acidcomponent of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight, in the range of 1-50 wt.-% fatty acid component of thefatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight, orin the range of 3-25 wt.-% fatty acid component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight. Some examplesof dilute lubricant compositions can comprise, in the range of 0.003-0.5wt.-% fatty acid component of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pHbuffer and carrier total weight, in the range of 0.005-0.3 wt.-% fattyacid component of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer andcarrier total weight, or in the range of 0.015-0.1 wt.-% fatty acidcomponent of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight.

[0029] Neutralization Agents

[0030] The lubricating composition can also include a neutralizationagent for various purposes. One purpose can be to neutralize a portionof the fatty acid component. Additionally, many surfactants are mosteffective in the neutral pH range. Moreover, acid conditions might leadto chemical attack on certain thermoplastics and metal parts. Therefore,a portion of the fatty acid component, or the available acid from thesurfactants employed, e.g. the phosphates, may be neutralized. However,as discussed above, it may be desirable to provide a composition with arelatively low level of alkalinity, for example, in compositions for usewith certain thermoplastic containers or conveyors, such as PETcontainers. Therefore, relatively low levels of alkali neutralizingagent may be used. For example, the level of the total alkalinity atdiluted or use concentration may be 100 ppm or less, and in some cases,50 ppm or less. The alkalinity can be calculated as percent CaCO₃. Adiluted use solution can have total alkalinity levels in these ranges,while the concentrated composition prior to dilution can have higherlevels of alkalinity.

[0031] Some commonly used neutralizing agents are the alkaline metalhydroxides such as potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. Anotherclass of neutralizing agent may be the alkyl amines, which may beprimary, secondary, or tertiary, such as urea, or cyclic amines such asmorpholine.

[0032] The neutralization component can comprise up to 30 wt.-% of thefinal lubricant composition. For example, the lubricant concentratecomposition can comprise, in the range of 1-29 wt.-% neutralizationcomponent of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight, in the range of 2-20 wt.-% neutralization component of thefatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight, orin the range of 3-10 wt.-% neutralization component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight. Some examplesof dilute or use lubricant compositions can comprise, in the range of0.005-0.2 wt.-% neutralization component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight, in the rangeof 0.01-0.1 wt.-% neutralization component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight, or in therange of 0.015-0.05 wt.-% neutralization component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.

[0033] pH Buffer

[0034] The term “pH buffer” includes any composition that stabilizes pHand derivatives, mixtures or combinations thereof. For example, a pHbuffer can include the following groups: phosphates, carbonates, amines,bicarbonates, and citrate. One particular pH buffer that may be suitableis carbonate but as set forth above, other pH buffers may be used. Theterm “phosphate” includes, for example, the following: anhydrous nono,di or tri-sodium phosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetra-sodiumpyrophosphate and tetra-potassium pyrophosphate. The term “carbonate”includes, for example, the following: sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate and sesquicarbonate. The term “bicarbonate” includes, forexample, the following: sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate.The term “citrate” includes, for example, the following: sodium citrateand potassium citrate. The term “amines” includes, for example, thefollowing: urea and morpholine.

[0035] The pH buffer component can comprise up to 20 wt.-% of the finallubricant composition. For example, the lubricant concentratecomposition can comprise, in the range of 0.1-20 wt.-% pH buffercomponent of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight, in the range of 0.5-10 wt.-% pH buffer component of thefatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight, orin the range of 1-5 wt.-% pH buffer component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight. Some examplesof dilute lubricant compositions can comprise, in the range of 0.001-0.1wt.-% pH buffer component of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pHbuffer and carrier total weight, in the range of 0.003-0.1 wt.-% pHbuffer component of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer andcarrier total weight, or in the range of 0.005 to 0.025 wt.-% pH buffercomponent of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight.

[0036] Carrier

[0037] It may be preferable that the lubricant concentrate have acarrier fluid. The carrier may be present in both the concentrate anddilute formulas. Water is the most commonly used and preferred carrierfor carrying the various ingredients in the formulation of the lubricantconcentrate. It is possible, however, to use a water-soluble solvent,such as alcohols and polyols. These solvents may be used alone or withwater. Some examples of suitable alcohols include methanol, ethanol,propanol, butanol, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. Someexamples of polyols include glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol,diethylene glycol, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof.

[0038] The carrier component can comprise up to 99 wt.-%. of the finallubricant composition. For example, the lubricant concentratecomposition can comprise, in the range of 0-80 wt.-% carrier componentof the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier totalweight, in the range of 5-80 wt.-% carrier component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight, or in therange of 20-60 wt.-% carrier component of the fatty acid, neutralizationagent, pH buffer and carrier total weight. Some examples of dilutelubricant compositions can comprise in the range of 0-99 wt.-% carriercomponent of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight, in the range of 0.5-99 wt.-% carrier component of thefatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight, orin the range of 1-99 wt.-% carrier component of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.

[0039] Food Additive

[0040] The term “food additive” means that a composition or chemical maybe suitable for human consumption. In the food and beverage industry, itmay be desirable that any composition or chemical that comes intocontact with foods and beverages for human consumption, includingconveyor lubricants, be suitable for human consumption. Thus, everychemical that makes up a composition would have to be suitable for humanconsumption.

[0041] There is an information data base maintained by the U.S. Food andDrug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition whichlist materials as safe for food additives under the REGNUM (Regulationnumbers in Title 21 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations). Under theTitle 21 regulation, any materials with part 172 (food additivespermitted for direct addition to food for human consumption), part 178(indirect food additive), part 182 (substances generally recognized assafe) and part 184 (direct food substances affirmed as generallyrecognized as safe) classifications are considered as food additives.For purposes of this application, “food additive” means any materialfound in part 172, 178, 182, or 184 of title 21 of the Code of FederalRegulations as of Apr. 1, 2002.

[0042] Examples of fatty acids that are suitable food additives includethe following: oleic acid, tall oil fatty acid, and refined coconut oil.

[0043] Examples of neutralization agents that are suitable foodadditives include the following: sodium and potassium hydroxide,morpholine and urea

[0044] Examples of pH buffers that are suitable food additives includethe following: sodium and potassium bicarbonates, sodium and potassiumcarbonates, sodium sesquicarbonate, sodium and potassium citrates,monobasic, dibasic and tribasic sodium phosphates, sodium pyrophosphate,sodium tri-polyphosphate, and sodium metaphosphate.

[0045] Examples of carriers that are suitable food additives include thefollowing: benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyleneglycol, and water.

[0046] Examples of chelating agents that are a suitable food additivesinclude the following: disodium EDTA and calcium disodium EDTA.

[0047] Examples of polyalkylene glycol polymers that are suitable foodadditives include the following: Carbowax™ and Ucon™ products availablefrom Union Carbide, or block and random copolymers of ethylene oxide andpropylene oxide, and derivatives of mixtures of any of these. Oneexample of a trade name for such block copolymers is Pluronics® and ismanufactured by BASF.

[0048] Other Functional Ingredients

[0049] Other active ingredients may optionally be used to improve theeffectiveness of the lubricant. Some non-limiting examples of suchadditional active ingredients can include the following: surfactants,polyalkylene glycol polymers, stabilizing/coupling agents, antimicrobialagents, viscosity modifiers, sequestrants/chelating agents, bleachingagents such as hydrogen peroxide and others, dyes, odorants, and thelike, and other ingredients useful in imparting a desired characteristicor functionality in the lubricant composition. The following describessome examples of such ingredients.

[0050] Polyalkylene Glycol Polymer

[0051] The term “polyalkylene glycol polymer” includes polymers ofalkylene oxides or derivatives and mixtures or combinations thereof. Forexample, polyalkylene glycol polymers can include polymers of thefollowing general formula, and derivatives thereof:

H—O—(RO)_(x)—H

[0052] wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl, and x is a positiveinteger, and may be in the range of 4 to 500 for low molecular weightpolyalkylene glycol polymers, and in some cases up to about hundreds ofthousand for high molecular weight polyalkylene glycol polymers. Someexamples of commercially available lower molecular weight polyalkyleneglycol polymers include Carbowax™ and Ucon™ products available fromUnion Carbide, and some examples of commercially available highermolecular weight polyalkylene glycol products include POLYOX™ productsavailable from Union Carbide.

[0053] As is apparent from above, the term “polyalkylene glycol polymer”also can include derivatives of such polyalkylene glycol polymers. Someexamples of such derivatives can include polyalkylene glycol polymersmodified by substitution on one or more of the terminal hydroxyl groups.For example, one or more of the terminal hydroxyl groups can besubstituted with alkyl or acyl groups to form an ether, or a carbonylgroup to form an ester. Some examples of such derivatives includecompounds of the following formulas:

R′—O—(RO)_(x)—H R′—COO—(RO)_(x)—H

[0054] wherein R′ is linear or branched alkyl or aryl, and in some casesmay be in the range of C₁-C₂₆ alkyl or aryl, in the range of C₁₂-C₁₈alkyl or aryl, or in the range of C₁₂-C₁₈ alkyl or aryl.

[0055] The polyalkylene glycol polymer component can be in the form of ahomopolymer, or mixtures or combinations of homopolymers, or can includecopolymers, such as block or random copolymers, or mixtures ofcombinations of such copolymers, or can include mixtures or combinationsof homopolymers and copolymers. In some examples, the polyalkyleneglycol polymers range in molecular weight from 200 to several million,from 200 to 100,000, from 200 to 20,000, and from 200 to 10,000. Thepolyalkylene glycol polymer components can be in liquid, paste or solidform.

[0056] The polyalkylene glycol polymer may include homopolymers ofpolyethylene glycols, polypropylene glycols, or block and randomcopolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, and derivatives ofmixtures of any of these. For example, block copolymers of ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide are known in the art as nonionic surfactantsand are commercially available. One example of a trade name for suchblock copolymers is Pluronics® and is manufactured by BASF.

[0057] One particular type of polyalkylene glycol polymer used includesethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymer wherein the polymer may beprepared by the controlled addition of propylene oxide to the twohydroxyl groups of propylene glycol. Ethylene oxide may then be added tosandwich this hydrophobe between hydrophilic groups, controlled bylength to constitute from 10% to 80% (by weight) of the final molecule.

[0058] This type of polymer is best illustrated by the followingformula:

[0059] The x, y, and x′ in the formula have no definite integers, butdepend on the amount of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in thedesired polymer. In this particular embodiment, ethylene oxideconstitutes anywhere from 10 to 80 wt.-%.

[0060] A second type of block copolymer may be that prepared by addingethylene oxide to ethylene glycol to provide a hydrophile of designatedmolecular weight. Propylene oxide may then added to obtain hydrophobicblocks on the outside of the molecule thereby creating another sandwich.The structure of this polymer is illustrated as follows:

[0061] The content of ethylene oxide can range from 10 to 80 wt.-%.

[0062] The block copolymers may be those between the molecular weightrange of 800 to 40,000 and comprise polypropylene oxide sandwiched bypolyethylene oxide blocks wherein the ethylene oxide constitutes from 10to 80 wt.-% of a copolymer. One particular example of a useful blockcopolymer is that polymer identified as Pluronic® F-108, which has anaverage molecular weight of 14,600, a meltpour point of 57° C., is asolid at room temperature with a viscosity of 2,800 cps at 77° C. and asurface tension in dynes/cm of 41 at 25° C., @ 0.1%.

[0063] The polyalkylene glycol component can comprise a very broad rangeof weight percent of the entire composition, depending upon the desiredproperties. For example, for concentrated embodiments, the polyalkyleneglycol polymer can comprise in the range of 0 to 50 wt.-% of the totalcomposition, in the range of 0 to 35 wt.-% of the total composition, orin the range of 0 to 25 wt.-% of the total composition. For some dilutedor use concentration, the polyalkylene glycol polymer can comprise inthe range of 0 to 0.1 wt.-% of the total composition, in the range of 0to 0.07 wt.-% of the total composition, or in the range of 0 to 0.05wt.-% of the total composition.

[0064] Surfactants

[0065] The lubricant concentrate may also contain cationic, anionic,amphoteric, and nonionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof. For adiscussion on surfactants, see Kirk-Othmer, Surfactants in Encyclopediaof Chemical Technology, 19:507-593 (2d ed. 1969), which is incorporatedby reference herein.

[0066] Some examples of anionic surfactants suitable for use includecarboxylates, sulfates, sulfonates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate,sulfosuccinates, and mixtures thereof. Some embodiments include alkalinesalts of C₈-C₁₀ saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, such as, forexample, tall oil, oleic acid, or coconut oil. One particular exampleincludes a sodium tall oil soap. When used in the lubricant composition,the anionic surfactant may be present in a range of up to 50 wt-%.

[0067] Some examples of cationic surfactants suitable for use includequaternary ammonium surfactants with one or two long chain fatty alkylgroups and one or two lower alkyl or hydroxyalkyl substituents.Preferable examples are alkylbenzyl dimethyl ammonium chloride whereinthe alkyl groups are a stearyl, tallow, lauryl, myristyl moiety, and thelike, and mixtures thereof. When used in the lubricant composition, insome embodiments the cationic surfactants can be present in a range ofup to 50 wt-%.

[0068] Some examples of nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene oxidecondensates of long chain alcohols such as alkyl phenols and aliphaticfatty alcohols. Some specific examples contain alkyl chains of C₆-C₁₈.Typical examples are polyoxyethylene adducts of tall oil, coconut oil,lauric, stearic, oleic acid, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Othernonionic surfactants can be polyoxyalkylene condensates of fatty acidshaving from 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the fatty alkyl or acyl groups and10 to 40 alkyloxy units in the oxyalkylene portion. An exemplary productis the condensation product of coconut oil with 10 to 30 moles ofethylene oxide. It is possible to form a block copolymer by condensingdifferent alkylene oxides with the same fatty acid. An example is apolyoxyalkylene condensate of a long chain fatty acid with three blocksof oxyalkylene units wherein the first and third block consists ofpropylene oxide moiety and the second block consists of ethylene oxidemoiety. The block copolymer may be linear or branched.

[0069] Yet another kind of nonionics are alkoxylated fatty alcohols.Typical products are the condensation products of n-decyl, n-dodecyl,n-octadecyl alcohols, and a mixture thereof with 3 to 50 moles ofethylene oxide.

[0070] Another kind of nonionics are alkylene oxide adducts ofrelatively low degree of polymerization alkylglycosides. Theseoxyalkylated glycosides comprise a fatty ether derivative of a mono-,di-, tri-, etc. saccharide having an alkylene oxide residue. Preferableexamples contain 1 to 30 units of an alkylene oxide, typically ethyleneoxide, 1 to 3 units of a pentose or hexose, and an alkyl group of afatty group of 6 to 20 carbon atoms. An oxyalkylated glycoside compareswith the general formula of:

H-(AO)_(m)-Gy-O—R

[0071] where AO is an alkylene oxide residue; m is the degree of alkyloxide substitution having an average of from 1 to 30, G is a moietyderived from a reducing saccharide containing 5 of 6 carbon atoms, i.e.pentose or hexose; R is a saturated or nonsaturated fatty alkyl groupcontaining 6 to 20 carbon atoms; and y, the degree of polymerization(D.P.) of the polyglycoside, represents the number of monosacchariderepeating units in the polyglycoside, and is an integer on the basis ofindividual molecules, but may be a noninteger when taken on an averagebasis when used as an ingredient for lubricants.

[0072] Some specific examples include sorbitan fatty acid esters, suchas the Spans® and the polyoxyethylene derivatives of sorbitan and fattyacid esters known as the Tweens®. These are the polyoxyethylene sorbitanand fatty acid esters prepared from sorbitan and fatty esters byaddition of ethylene oxide. Some specific examples of these arepolysorbate 20, or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monolaurate, polysorbate40, or polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monopalmatate, polysorbate 60, orpolyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monostearate, or polysorbate 85, orpolyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan triolyate. Used in the lubricantcomposition, in some embodiments the nonionic surfactant can be presentin a range of up to 50 wt-%.

[0073] Alternatively, the lubricant can include a nonionic surfactantthat may be an alkylpolyglycoside. Alkylpolyglycosides (APGs) alsocontain a carbohydrate hydrophile with multiple hydroxyl groups.

[0074] APGs are fatty ether derivatives of saccharides orpolysaccharides. The saccharide or polysaccharide groups are mono-, di-,tri-, etc. saccharides of hexose or pentose, and the alkyl group may bea fatty group with 7 to 20 carbon atoms. Alkylpolyglycosides can becompared with the general formula of:

G_(x)—O—R

[0075] where G is a moiety derived from a reducing saccharide containing5 or 6 carbon atoms, i.e. pentose or hexose; and R is a saturated ornonsaturated fatty alkyl group containing 6 to 20 carbon atoms; x, thedegree of polymerization (D.P.) of the polyglycoside, representing thenumber of monosaccharide repeating units in the polyglycoside, is aninteger on the basis of individual molecules, but may be a nonintegerwhen taken on an average basis when used as an ingredient forlubricants. In some embodiments, x has the value of less than 2.5, or inthe range or 1 and 2. The reducing saccharide moiety, G can be derivedfrom pentose or hexose. Exemplary saccharides are glucose, fructose,mannose, galactose, talose, gulose, allose, altrose, idose, arabinose,xylose, lyxose and ribose. Because of the ready availability of glucose,glucose is a common embodiment in the making of polyglycosides.

[0076] The fatty alkyl group may be a saturated alkyl group, althoughunsaturated alkyl fatty group can be used. It may also be possible touse an aromatic group such as alkylphenyl, alkylbenzyl and the like inplace of the fatty alkyl group to make an aromatic polyglycoside.

[0077] Generally, commercially available polyglycosides have alkylchains of C₈-C₁₆ and an average degree of polymerization in the range of1.4 to 1.6. A lubricant composition of the invention may include up to50 wt-%, or in the range of 3 wt-% to 10 wt-% of alkylpolyglycoside.

[0078] Stabilizing/Coupling Agents

[0079] In a lubricant concentrate, stabilizing agents, or couplingagents can be employed to keep the concentrate homogeneous, for example,under cold temperature. Some of the ingredients may have the tendency tophase separate or form layers due to the high concentration. Manydifferent types of compounds can be used as stabilizers. Examples areethanol, urea, glycols such as propylene glycol, mono- and dimethylsodium naphthaline sulfonates and the like. The stabilizing/couplingagents can be used in an amount to give the desired results. This amountcan range, for example, from about 0 to 30 wt.-% of the totalcomposition.

[0080] Antimicrobial Agents

[0081] Antimicrobial agents can also be added. Some useful antimicrobialagents include disinfectants, antiseptics, and preservatives. Somenon-limiting examples include organic and inorganic acids and its estersand salts such as dehydroacetic acid, peroxycarboxylic acids,peroxyacetic acid, methyl p-hydroxy benzoic acid, cationic agents suchas quaternary ammonium compound, and potassium iodide. The antimicrobialagents can be used in amounts to provide the desired antimicrobialproperties. In some examples, the amount can range from 0 to 20 wt.-% ofthe total composition.

[0082] Viscosity Modifiers

[0083] Viscosity modifiers can also be used. Some examples of viscositymodifiers include pour-point depressants and viscosity improvers, suchas polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylic acids, and highmolecular weight polyoxyethylenes. The modifiers can be used in amountsto provide the desired results. The viscosity modifiers can range from 0to 30 wt.-% of the total composition.

[0084] Sequestrants

[0085] In addition to the aforementioned ingredients, it may be possibleto include other chemicals in the lubricant. For example, where softwater is unavailable and hard water is used for the dilution of thelubricant concentrate, there may be a tendency for the hardness cations,such as calcium, magnesium, and ferrous ions, to reduce the efficacy ofthe surfactants, and even form precipitates when coming into contactwith ions such as sulfates, and carbonates. Sequestrants can be used toform complexes with the hardness ions. A sequestrant molecule maycontain two or more donor atoms which are capable of forming coordinatebonds with a hardness ion. Sequestrants that possess three, four, ormore donor atoms are called tridentate, tetradentate, or polydentatecoordinators. Generally the compounds with the larger number of donoratoms are better sequestrants. The preferable sequestrant is ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (EDTA), such as Na₂EDTA and calcium disodiumEDTA sold by Dow Chemicals. Some additional examples of othersequestrants include: iminodisuccinic acid sodium salt,trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane tetracetic acid monohydrate, diethylenetriamine pentacetic acid, sodium salt of nitrilotriacetic acid,pentasodium salt of N-hydroxyethylene diamine triacetic acid, trisodiumsalt of N,N-di(beta-hydroxyethyl)glycine, sodium salt of sodiumglucoheptonate, and the like.

[0086] For a more complete understanding of the invention, the followingexamples are given to illustrate some embodiments. These examples andexperiments are to be understood as illustrative and not limiting. Allparts are by weight, except where it is contrarily indicated.

EXAMPLES

[0087] The following chart provides a brief explanation of certainchemical components used in the following examples: TABLE 1 Trade namesand corresponding description of some chemicals used in the examples.Trademark/Chemical Commercially Name Description available from: KX5139Food additive fatty acid Ecolab lubricant KG20 Non-food additive fattyEcolab acid lubricant Potassium carbonate Food additive

[0088] Additionally, in some of the following examples, the lubricity ofsome of the lubricants was determined using the following testingmethods:

[0089] Slider Lubricity Test

[0090] In the slider tests, the lubricity of testing samples was done bymeasuring the drag force (frictional force) of a 50 gram weightedcylinder riding on a rotating disc, wetted by the testing sample. Thematerial for the cylinder may be chosen to coincide with the containermaterials, e.g., glass, PET, or mild steel. Similarly the material ofthe rotating disc is the same as the conveyor, e.g., stainless steel orplastic. The drag force, using an average value, is measured with asolid state transducer, which is connected to the cylinder by a thinflexible string. The weight of the cylinder made from the same materialis consistent for all measurements. Complete lubricity (i.e, no weight)has a drag force of 0 grams. No lubricity (i.e. no lubricant) has a dragforce of 50 grams. As lubricity increases, the drag force decreases from50 grams.

[0091] pH Measurement Test

[0092] A standard pH meter with glass electrode was used. Calibration isperformed on a daily basis with standard buffers of pH 4 and pH 10.

Example 1 Lubricity Maintained with a Composition that ContainsCarbonate as a pH Buffer.

[0093] This example demonstrates that lubricity decreases at a pH below5. Also, this example shows that adding a pH buffer, in this casecarbonate, helps maintain the pH above 5 in the presence of acidicbeverages.

[0094] The following table shows three compositions that were preparedby admixing the listed ingredients in the appropriate wt.-% as shown.Formula A is a food additive fatty acid lubricant but does not include apH buffer. Formula B is a non-food additive fatty acid lubricant anddoes not have a pH buffer. Formula C includes a food additive fatty acidplus carbonate as a pH buffer. TABLE 2 Formulas A, B and C Formula AFormula B Formula C (wt.-% (wt.-% (wt.-% Component in formula) informula) in formula) KX5139 100%  0% 95% KG20  0% 100%  0% K₂CO₃  0%  0% 5%

[0095] Each of these formulas was diluted with de-ionized water to a 2%solution and then mixed with either lemonade, pink lemonade or Lipton™iced tea in a ratio of 70% diluted lubricant solution to 30% beverage.The pH of the mixture was then measured and the results are shown in thefollowing table. TABLE 3 pH of formulas A, B and C when mixed withlemonade, pink lemonade and Lipton ™ iced tea 2% lube/beverage pH (pinkpH (Lipton ™ 70:30 ratio pH (lemonade) lemonade) iced tea) Formula A 4.24.2 6.6 Formula B 5.2 5.1 8.0 Formula C 5.5 5.5 8.0

[0096] The following table shows the pH of Formulas A, B and C whendiluted with de-ionized water to a 2% lubricant solution without anacidic beverage. TABLE 4 pH of formulas A, B and C 2.0% lubricantconcentration pH Formula A 10.4 Formula B 10.8 Formula C 10.8

[0097] The following table shows the drag force for formulas A, B and Cwhen diluted with de-ionized water to a 2% lubricant solution and mixedin a 70:30 ratio with lemonade. A 0.5% lubricant solution in de-ionizedwater commercially known as Lubodrive rx™ from Ecolab was tested as acontrol. The results are listed below. TABLE 5 The COF of formulas A, Band C when mixed with lemonade Formula pH Drag force (g) 0.5% L-rx (nolemonade) 32 Formula A 4.2 More than 50 Formula B 5.2 34.5 Formula C 5.532.5

[0098] In the slider test, a low drag force indicates better lubricity.Table 5 shows that at a pH below 5, lubricity decreases. The drag forceof the control is 32. Formulas B and C had a pH above 5 and displayed anadequate level of lubricity with a drag force of 34.5 and 32.5respectively. Formula C is preferable to Formula B because it iscomposed of food additive ingredients. Using a formula with foodadditives is useful in the food and beverage industry where thelubricant may come into contact with substances meant for humanconsumption. Formula A, which is Formula C without the carbonate,clearly displayed poor lubricity at a pH of 4.2. Thus, it is clear thatthe presence of a pH buffer, in this case carbonate, is responsible formaintaining lubricity in the presence of an acidic beverage.

[0099] Table 5 shows that lubricity is at an adequate level if the pHremains above 5. Table 3 shows that Formula C displayed a pH above 5when mixed with lemonade, pink lemonade and Lipton™ iced tea. It followsthen that Formula C would display an adequate level of lubricity whenmixed with any of these three beverages. Formula B displayed an adequatepH but again, is not composed of all food additives. Formula A, which isthe same as Formula C but without the carbonate, did not display anadequate pH except for the Lipton™ iced tea. Again, this shows that itis the addition of the carbonate that helps maintain lubricity when thelubricant solution comes in contact with an acidic beverage.

Example 2 pH and Cold Water Solubility of Food Additive.

[0100] TABLE 6 pH and cold water solubility of food additivesSolubility, in grams per 100 cc cold water from Material Formula 1% pHCRC handbook Caustic Soda NaOH 12.4 42 Caustic Potash KOH 12.5 107 DenseAsh Na₂CO₃ 11.1 7 Bicarbonate NaHCO₃ 8.1 7 SesquicarbonateNa₂CO₃.NaHCO₃.2H₂O 9.9 Potassium K₂CO₃ 11.2 112 Carbonate Anhydrous TSPNa₃PO₄ 11.8 9 Anhydrous DSP Na₂HPO₄ 9.1 Tripoly Na₅P₃O₁₀ 9.7 Around 10Pyrophosphate Na₄P₂O₇ 10 3.2 Urea NH₂CONH₂ Around 8 High MorpholineAround 8 High

[0101] The pH of a commercial lubricant at the dilute concentration maynot exceed 11. Lubricants with high pH are corrosive to metal, plasticor glass surfaces. As such, only the controlled amount of caustic sodawas added to the fatty acid lubricant. Any excess amount of caustic willcause the lubricant solution to have a pH higher than 11. Table 6 liststhe commonly used food additives with buffering capability. Severalphosphates in the table have appropriate buffer capacity with 1% pHvalue from 9-11. However, the solubility of these phosphates are low incold water and the phosphates may precipitate out of the lubricantsolution if the containers were exposed to cold temperature. Materialssuch as sodium bicarbonate, urea and morpholine are very soluble in coldwater but do not have good buffering capability since their 1% pH valuesare close to 8.

What is claimed is:
 1. A concentrate lubricant composition comprising:a) a fatty acid, wherein the fatty acid is a food additive; b) aneutralization agent, wherein the neutralization agent is a foodadditive; c) a pH buffer, wherein the pH buffer is a food additive, andwherein the pH buffer is provided to maintain lubricity in the presenceof an acidic substance; and d) a carrier, wherein the carrier is a foodadditive.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the pH buffer maintainsa pH between 5 and 9 in the presence of an acidic substance.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein a) the fatty acid is present at 0.5 to99 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight; b) the neutralization agent is present at 0.1 to 26 wt %of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier totalweight; c) the pH buffer is present at 0.1 to 20 wt % of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight; and d) thecarrier is present at 0 to 99 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralizationagent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.
 4. The composition of claim1, wherein the pH buffer comprises a phosphate, carbonate, amine,bicarbonate, or citrate.
 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein thecarbonate comprises sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, orsesquicarbonate.
 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the carriercomprises water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol, and mixturesthereof.
 7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition furthercomprises an additional functional ingredient.
 8. The composition ofclaim 7, wherein the additional functional ingredient comprises apolyalkylene glycol polymer, a surfactant, a stabilizing agent, acoupling agent, an antimicrobial agent, a viscosity modifier, or asequestrant.
 9. A dilute lubricant composition comprising: a) a fattyacid, wherein the fatty acid is a food additive; b) a neutralizationagent, wherein the neutralization agent is a food additive; c) a pHbuffer, wherein the pH buffer is a food additive, and wherein the pHbuffer is provided to maintain lubricity in the presence of an acidicsubstance; and d) a carrier, wherein the carrier is a food additive. 10.The composition of claim 9, wherein the pH buffer maintains a pH between5 and 9 in the presence of an acidic substance.
 11. The composition ofclaim 9, wherein a) the fatty acid is present at 0.003 to 0.5 wt % ofthe fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier totalweight; b) the neutralization agent is present at 0.005 to 0.2 wt % ofthe fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier totalweight; c) the pH buffer is present at 0.001 to 0.1 wt % of the fattyacid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight; and d)the carrier is present at 1 to 99 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralizationagent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.
 12. The composition of claim9, wherein the pH buffer comprises a phosphate, carbonate, amine,bicarbonate, or citrate.
 13. The composition of claim 12, wherein thecarbonate comprises sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, orsesquicarbonate.
 14. The composition of claim 9, wherein the carriercomprises water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol and mixturesthereof.
 15. The composition of claim 9, wherein the composition furthercomprises an additional functional ingredient.
 16. The composition ofclaim 15, wherein the additional functional ingredient comprises apolyalkylene glycol polymer, a surfactant, a stabilizing agent, acoupling agent, an antimicrobial agent, a viscosity modifier, or asequestrant.
 17. A concentrate lubricant composition suitable for use ona moving surface, the lubricating composition comprising: a) a fattyacid, wherein the fatty acid is a food additive; b) a neutralizationagent, wherein the neutralization agent is a food additive; c) a pHbuffer, wherein the pH buffer is a food additive, and wherein the pHbuffer is provided to maintain lubricity in the presence of an acidicsubstance; and d) a carrier, wherein the carrier is a food additive. 18.The composition of claim 17, wherein the pH buffer maintains a pHbetween 5 and 9 in the presence of an acidic substance.
 19. Thecomposition of claim 17, wherein a) the fatty acid is present at 0.5 to99 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight; b) the neutralization agent is present at 0.1 to 26 wt %of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier totalweight; c) the pH buffer is present at 0.1 to 20 wt % of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight; and d) thecarrier is present at 0 to 99 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralizationagent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.
 20. The composition of claim17, wherein the pH buffer comprises a phosphate, carbonate, amine,bicarbonate, or citrate.
 21. The composition of claim 20, wherein thecarbonate comprises sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, orsesquicarbonate.
 22. The composition of claim 17, wherein the carriercomprises water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol, and mixturesthereof.
 23. The composition of claim 17, wherein the compositionfurther comprises an additional functional ingredient.
 24. Thecomposition of claim 23, wherein the additional functional ingredientcomprises a polyalkylene glycol polymer, a surfactant, a stabilizingagent, a coupling agent, an antimicrobial agent, a viscosity modifier,or a sequestrant.
 25. A dilute lubricant composition suitable for use ona moving surface, the lubricating composition comprising: a) a fattyacid, wherein the fatty acid is a food additive; b) a neutralizationagent, wherein the neutralization agent is a food additive; c) a pHbuffer, wherein the pH buffer is a food additive, and wherein the pHbuffer is provided to maintain lubricity in the presence of an acidicsubstance; and d) a carrier, wherein the carrier is a food additive. 26.The composition of claim 25, wherein the pH buffer maintains a pHbetween 5 and 9 in the presence of an acidic substance.
 27. Thecomposition of claim 25, wherein a) the fatty acid is present at 0.003to 0.5 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer andcarrier total weight; b) the neutralization agent is present at 0.005 to0.2 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carriertotal weight; c) the pH buffer is present at 0.001 to 0.1 wt % of thefatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight;and d) the carrier is present at 1 to 99 wt % of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.
 28. Thecomposition of claim 25, wherein the pH buffer comprises a phosphate,carbonate, amine, bicarbonate, or citrate.
 29. The composition of claim25, wherein the carbonate comprises sodium carbonate, potassiumcarbonate, or sesquicarbonate.
 30. The composition of claim 25, whereinthe carrier comprises water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol,and mixtures thereof.
 31. The composition of claim 25, wherein thecomposition further comprises an additional functional ingredient. 32.The composition of claim 31, wherein the additional functionalingredient comprises a polyalkylene glycol polymer, a surfactant, astabilizing agent, a coupling agent, an antimicrobial agent, a viscositymodifier, or a sequestrant.
 33. A method of lubricating a movingsurface, the method comprising: a) providing a moving surface; b)providing a concentrate lubricant composition comprising: i) a fattyacid, wherein the fatty acid is a food additive; ii) a neutralizationagent, wherein the neutralization agent is a food additive; iii) a pHbuffer, wherein the pH buffer is a food additive, and wherein the pHbuffer is provided to maintain lubricity in the presence of an acidicsubstance; and iv) a carrier, wherein the carrier is a food additive;and c) applying the lubricant composition to the moving surface.
 34. Themethod of claim 33, wherein a) the fatty acid is present at 0.5 to 99 wt% of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier totalweight; b) the neutralization agent is present at 0.1 to 26 wt % of thefatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight; c)the pH buffer is present at 0.1 to 20 wt % of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight; and d) thecarrier is present at 0 to 99 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralizationagent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.
 35. The method of claim 33,wherein the pH buffer comprises a phosphate, carbonate, amine,bicarbonate, or citrate.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein thecarbonate comprises sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, orsesquicarbonate.
 37. The method of claim 33, wherein the carriercomprises water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol, and mixturesthereof.
 38. The method of claim 33, wherein the composition furthercomprises an additional functional ingredient.
 39. The method of claim38, wherein the functional ingredient comprises a polyalkylene glycolpolymer, a surfactant, a stabilizing agent, a coupling agent, anantimicrobial agent, a viscosity modifier, or a sequestrant.
 40. Amethod of lubricating a moving surface, the method comprising: a)providing a moving surface; b) providing a dilute lubricant compositioncomprising: i) a fatty acid, wherein the fatty acid is a food additive;ii) a neutralization agent, wherein the neutralization agent is a foodadditive; iii) a pH buffer, wherein the pH buffer is a food additive,and wherein the pH buffer is provided to maintain lubricity in thepresence of an acidic substance; and iv) a carrier, wherein the carrieris a food additive; and c) applying the lubricant composition to themoving surface.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein a) the fatty acid ispresent at 0.003 to 0.5 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pHbuffer and carrier total weight; b) the neutralization agent is presentat 0.005 to 0.2 wt % of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH bufferand carrier total weight; c) the pH buffer is present at 0.001 to 0.1 wt% of the fatty acid, neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier totalweight; and d) the carrier is present at 1 to 99 wt % of the fatty acid,neutralization agent, pH buffer and carrier total weight.
 42. The methodof claim 40, wherein the pH buffer comprises a phosphate, carbonate,amine, bicarbonate, or citrate.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein thecarbonate comprises sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, orsesquicarbonate.
 44. The method of claim 40, wherein the carriercomprises water, methanol, ethanol, propanol, or butanol, and mixturesthereof.
 45. The method of claim 33, wherein the composition furthercomprises an additional functional ingredient.
 46. The method of claim45, wherein the functional ingredient comprises a polyalkylene glycolpolymer, a surfactant, a stabilizing agent, a coupling agent, anantimicrobial agent, a viscosity modifier, or a sequestrant.
 47. Amethod of mixing a lubricant for a conveyor system comprising: a)providing a location where the lubricant is to be used; b) providing i)a fatty acid, wherein the fatty acid is a food additive; ii) aneutralization agent, wherein the neutralization agent is a foodadditive; iii) a pH buffer, wherein the pH buffer is a food additive;and iv) a carrier, wherein the carrier is a food additive; and c)combining the fatty acid, the neutralization agent, the pH buffer, andthe carrier to form a food additive lubricant composition at thelocation where the lubricant is to be used.
 48. A lubricant compositioncomprising: a) a fatty acid; b) a neutralization agent; c) a pH buffer,wherein the pH buffer is provided to maintain lubricity in the presenceof an acidic substance; and d) a carrier.
 49. The composition of claim48, wherein the pH buffer maintains a pH between 5 and
 9. 50. Thecomposition of claim 48, wherein the composition further comprises anadditional functional ingredient.
 51. The composition of claim 50,wherein the additional functional ingredient comprises a polyalkyleneglycol polymer, a surfactant, a stabilizing agent, a coupling agent, anantimicrobial agent, a viscosity modifier, or a sequestrant.